What is Grounding?
The concept of grounding (also referred to as earthing) has been around for a long time. The act of walking barefoot in the grass or dirt is thought to have beneficial health effects. I can testify to that fact. I get asked all the time: DOES IT REALLY WORK?
I’ve been conflicted on speaking out about this topic, simply because the answer to that question is IT DEPENDS! I know, that’s frustrating. You want a black and white answer. I get it.
Long story short: I still vote YES! Go for it!
The reason I am hesitant to say that it is beneficial 100% of the time is because of grounding current.
There is a measurable current that can run through the ground in some areas. This is produced by the fact that energy will power our homes and return to the grid in the most efficient way possible, which can be through the ground itself.
America operates on the Wye grid system, which is not a closed loop. Energy is supposed to travel through neutral wires back to the grid system, however because our neutral wires are not always thick enough energy is able to travel through the ground, then to “grounding rods” that have been placed along power lines, and eventually back to the grid.
There is a potential that the ground you stand on could have that current running through it. You don’t know without testing, which you can do through a virtual home inspection. Until I had my home tested I had no idea that I was charging up when I was walking barefoot in my own yard!
The good news is that ground current isn’t everywhere, so for many people the effects of “grounding” or earthing are incredibly beneficial.
Benefits of Walking Barefoot
When you stand or lay in direct contact with the Earth you have an exchange of free electrons from the Earth, which acts as an antioxidant superpower!
Every time I travel via plane, which is a major EMF exposure, I make sure to be in contact with the Earth as soon as I can.
EMF exposure produces free radicals, which are essentially molecules in our body with an extra electron. These create oxidative stress in our bodies, which can have wide ranging health effects from effecting our cellular membranes to altering our our DNA replicates.
Antioxidants are required to “quench” free radicals, making them harmless, and Earthing is a free way to accomplish this goal.
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A 2013 study also found that people who had been Earthing during physical exercise also experienced lower blood urea concentrations. This indicates that Earthing also has the effect of balancing nitrogen levels in the body, which is important for blood circulation (this is heart health), skin health, DNA replication, and muscle building. This was best demonstrated in a research study showing that Earthing improved overall appearance by enhancing tissue repair.
Who wouldn’t want more of that?!
The added bonus with Earthing is that you are also exposed to sunlight, ideally first thing in the morning. This helps jumpstart your adrenal glands, dampening your cortisol levels and increasing your energy for the day!
If Earthing is on your bucket list of things to add to your health regimen I suggest you make it part of your morning routine, getting outside first thing when you wake up in the sunlight for 10 minutes.
Make a cup of coffee/tea, go barefoot in the grass, and set your intentions for the day. Not only will this help your overall health, but it helps to get your day started on the right foot!
For more on how morning routines can add to your health see my article “9 Easy Steps to Boost Happiness”
Don’t forget! You can do more to keep yourself safe from EMFs by
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References:
Walia, Arjun “Studies Show What Happens to the Human Body When We Walk Barefoot on Earth.” http://www.collective-evolution.com
“Electrons From the Earth” Well Being Journal. Volume 27, No. 2, page 27.